You really won't be able to match the spec of that laptop at that price, no way. It has a i7-4700, 770, and 750GB HDD. Not only that the GPU has 3GB VRAM. The problem is you want a $400 GPU and that leaves only $300 for everything else.

The best build I could come up with on Newegg has a Giga 770 and i3-2300. It comes to about $849 after shipping and rebates. If you want a MB with USB 3 and SATA 3 support it would run about $20-$25 more.

going with a microATX will be good too. since you only will be lugging around the case. but it will be hard matching that laptop.
770s dont come small. and i dont think lugging around those 1ftx1ftx1ft cube htpc cases isnt a good idea.

770s dont come small. and i dont think lugging around those 1ftx1ftx1ft cube htpc cases isnt a good idea.

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They come as short as 10", EVGA has one, and it will fit the SilverStone SG05, but that case has issues with DVD drive fit. It only fits the slim slot load type, which cost at least $80 more. I don't think you can fit a full size PSU either, and the 770 needs something fairly substantial.

The odd thing is, the SG05 actually fits a lot more CPU coolers than the CM Elite 120 I pointed out, esp in height clearance for the tower type. It'll even fit a dual rad CPU cooler. CM doesn't even seem to make a good low profile one under 65mm anymore that doesn't hang over the PCi-Ex 16x slot of the Elite 120.

They come as short as 10", EVGA has one, and it will fit the SilverStone SG05, but that case has issues with DVD drive fit. It only fits the slim slot load type, which cost at least $80 more. I don't think you can fit a full size PSU either, and the 770 needs something fairly substantial.

The odd thing is, the SG05 actually fits a lot more CPU coolers than the CM Elite 120 I pointed out, esp in height clearance for the tower type. It'll even fit a dual rad CPU cooler. CM doesn't even seem to make a good low profile one under 65mm anymore that doesn't hang over the PCi-Ex 16x slot of the Elite 120.

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he meant gpu type not pcb size.
there is no point in 3rd party cooler(s) for both cpu and gpu. if rig will be carried in backpack you will want smallest possible cooler so that vibrations from movement/transport doesnt stress pcbs.
in case of high environment temps operation it will be better to use case with additional fans and good airflow then to add 3rd party coolers (quite often they are way over the size of the stock)

Problems I see are lugging a monitor, and making sure components inside the case don't get damaged from vibration. Passing through airport security might be a nuisance as well.

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ThermalTake used to offer an embedded LCD screen that could fit into some of its cases (one of them was even a small form factor case). The screen resolution isn't exactly awesome (800x480, though it can map a whopping 1024x768 by dropping), but you wouldn't have to lug a monitor.

he meant gpu type not pcb size.
there is no point in 3rd party cooler(s) for both cpu and gpu. if rig will be carried in backpack you will want smallest possible cooler so that vibrations from movement/transport doesnt stress pcbs.
in case of high environment temps operation it will be better to use case with additional fans and good airflow then to add 3rd party coolers (quite often they are way over the size of the stock)

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Actually I think he meant a shorter version like the 670 mini, but let's let him verify that before you draw conclusions. The fact is every bit of space saved and weight shaved is a plus in such systems if you can do it without compromising performance.

As for shaking, most such cases have the MB laid horizontally on the bottom and the GPU at or near the side panel/rails of the case, making it much more stable than a normal tower config regarding stress on the Pci-Ex slot or CPU cooler mount.

As for coolers, there have been and still are ones much better than the stock units being made in all shapes and sizes, including pretty low profile ones. It's getting more common in fact that the stock coolers on CPUs are pretty bad, esp on the budget platforms.

Actually I think he meant a shorter version like the 670 mini, but let's let him verify that before you draw conclusions. The fact is every bit of space saved and weight shaved is a plus in such systems if you can do it without compromising performance.

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my mistake here. i have just noticed that you have quoted de.das.dude not james888's post which is just above you. yes de.das.dude meant pcb size. apologies.

As for shaking, most such cases have the MB laid horizontally on the bottom and the GPU at or near the side panel/rails of the case, making it much more stable than a normal tower config regarding stress on the Pci-Ex slot or CPU cooler mount.

As for coolers, there have been and still are ones much better than the stock units being made in all shapes and sizes, including pretty low profile ones. It's getting more common in fact that the stock coolers on CPUs are pretty bad, esp on the budget platforms.

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problem with horizontal mb cases is that they are 30+cm wide. it will be quite uncomortable to carry it in backpack. however such case could be comfi trasported in hand especially if case has handle at the top (i think i saw such kind of cases on computex pics but cant remember manufacturer).
i dont agree with you about stock coolers. so far i have used only stock coolers in my desktop and had issues with overheating only once when i have OC cpu (athlon 1 from 1666 to 1800 if i remember well) quite a lot and when summer came bsod came as well. additional fan to push fresh air in case and overheating problems have gone. since op said that he will play mostly rts and rpg there isnt any reason to oc or spend cash on custom coolers when he can improve working conditions of stock coolers with 6-10$ case fan(s).

aditional support plates can be added in case in order to avoid damage from vibrations during trasport. i remeber i have seen cases with additional plate to support video. plate was screwed at front and back metal plate of the case and was just under the side panel. i have to dig to find some pics of it.

from what i have read problem with intel is more from bad thermal compound between crystal and protector then with cooler itself.
i have added amd build as well and if i have to chose i would pick amd. not only cause of 50$ less.
amd road map shows that they will stay with current sockets for at least till end of next year possible even more while intel's change of the socket with every new generations makes upgrade quite expensive.
i havnt tried to carry pc in backpack since i never had smaller then mid tower but considering how uncomfortable is to carry my 4.5kg netweight laptop i can guess it wont be pleasant. but every pleasure comes with price.